United States House of Representatives: History, Art, & Archives
Search the website
What's in the House Chamber?

Official Proceedings

For years, television cameras had covered special events in the House Chamber such as State of the Union Addresses and speeches by foreign dignitaries. It was not until the late 1970s, however, that sufficient support existed for live televised coverage of House Floor debate./tiles/non-collection/h/hc_official_proceedings_tv_cameras_cc.xml Image courtesy of the Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives For years, television cameras had covered special events in the House Chamber such as State of the Union Addresses and speeches by foreign dignitaries. It was not until the late 1970s, however, that sufficient support existed for live televised coverage of House Floor debate.
Below the rostrum, official reporters transcribe the debates and actions for publication in the official proceedings of the House as part of the Congressional Record, published daily by the Government Printing Office (GPO). Other legislative clerks at the rostrum read and record House bills, amendments, and messages. They verify the tally of recorded votes, keep the official Journal of the House and prepare the final copies of the bills passed by the House.

The Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian, the Speaker's advisor on appropriate procedure, helps in the interpretation of the House Rules. Since House debate is strictly limited, a timekeeper sits to the Speaker's left.

The Press Gallery

The Press Gallery, the area above the rostrum with wooden benches, is reserved for members of the accredited media. The remaining gallery space is open to the public upon presentation of a gallery pass obtained from a Member of Congress or an officer of the House.

In 1977, the House inaugurated a television broadcast system that made possible gavel-to-gavel coverage of its daily proceedings.

Previously, the House only allowed certain special proceedings to be televised, such as the President's Address on the State of the Union. For daily business, House-operated remote control cameras in the Gallery now provide the feed for broadcast distribution. The House continues to allow network pool cameras in the Chamber for coverage of Presidential addresses.

Office of the Historian: history@mail.house.gov
Office of Art & Archives, Office of the Clerk: art@mail.house.gov, archives@mail.house.gov